Driven: 2023 Ford F-150 Raptor R

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What makes the Raptor R so special is its combination of power and high-performance off-road prowess. It's got a full 13.1 inches of ground clearance, big overfenders, underbody skid plates, and beefy aluminum running boards for climbing into the elevated crew cab. At 87 inches wide without the mirrors and 96 inches with the mirrors deployed, it's a full 7 inches wider than a base F-150. At nearly 233 inches long, it'll be a tight squeeze in a 20-foot garage.

Thanks to the added width, the truck also has triple LED clearance lights, a safety requirement for all vehicles over 80 inches wide. The front clearance lights sit atop a black honeycomb grille with a big FORD logo and a code orange "R" badge in the bottom right to indicate this is no ordinary Raptor. There are also functional tow hooks below the front and rear bumpers, along with compact Rigid LED fog lamps. We would have liked to see a factory winch, but it looks like you have to go aftermarket if you want one.

In contrast to the Raptor's 3.5-liter turbo-6, there's a supercharged, 5.2-liter V8 engine sitting beneath the Raptor R's enormous hood scoop. Based on the same power plant found in the Shelby GT500, it sends 640 lb-ft. of torque to its four-wheel drivetrain via a whip-smart 10-speed automatic transmission that doesn't skip a beat. Despite having to motivate 6,100 pounds, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just about 3.9 seconds. It's also got enough oomph to tow up to 8700 pounds in case you want to bring along a small camper or other powersports equipment. We might as well not even talk about fuel economy, but with a 13 MPG combined EPA rating, you'll be thankful this truck has a 36-gallon fuel tank.

During our day at Little Sahara State Park in Waynoka, Oklahoma, the Raptor R was at home in the dunes, gleefully tossing up sand alongside the UTVs, dirt bikes, and ATVs. There are several driving modes available, including Normal, Sport, Quiet, and Baja. Each drive mode adjusts the throttle mapping, suspension, steering, and exhaust, and you can also save a custom drive program. Sport mode was our favorite on paved roads, while Baja mode is clearly tuned for high-speed dune running.

The Raptor R's suspension works wonders on all kinds of terrain with FOX Live Valve shocks with coilover springs. The suspension provides 13 inches of wheel travel up front and 14.1 inches in back for rolling over uneven terrain with ease. The suspension is extremely forgiving when off-road, but it can feel a little floaty on the highway at speeds over 60 MPH. It's got 13.1 inches of ground clearance, a 33.1º approach angle, a 24.9º departure angle, and a 24.4º breakover angle.

Wrapped around 17-inch alloy wheels, the 37-inch BFGoodrich T/A KO2 tires don't disappoint. They roll happily over rocky surfaces and tear through loose materials like gravel, dirt, and sand. They provided a good amount of grip on the dunes once aired down to 22 PSI from the tarmac-friendly 38 PSI factory setting. Thanks to a locking rear differential, it drives assuredly through slippery and muddy terrain by ensuring even power distribution across the rear wheels.

The interior of the Raptor R has a bold and technical look, incorporating materials like real carbon fiber on the dashboard and leather and Alcantara on the seats. The leather-wrapped steering wheel has red accent stitching and a race-inspired red marker at 12-o'clock, which helps keep driver oriented to wheel position during aggressive steering maneuvers. The paddle shifters are nice and long, making them easy to tap no matter what position your hands are in. At the center of the dashboard, you'll find a 14" touchscreen that provides access to multimedia controls and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The center armrest has a neat trick - a large fold-out table hidden in its lid. With the push of a button, the shift lever folds flat, and you can use the table to work on a laptop or to enjoy your lunch while parked.

When off-roading, the screen can also display live video from a front-facing camera. This crisp, high-definition camera helps you see where you're going when reaching the top of a hill, and guidelines ensure you place your wheels correctly when traversing obstacles.

The widescreen digital instrument cluster can be configured to display all kinds of information. In addition to a tachometer, speedometer, and gauges, it can also show off-road details such as wheel angle, vehicle pitch and roll, and torque distribution.

While the Raptor R is designed for high-speed desert antics and slow rides through rocky trails, it does it all in style. The wide front seats are well cushioned and provide further isolation from rough terrain. They also have both heat and ventilation. A panoramic moonroof brings light into the cabin, and the rear seats offer seemingly endless headroom and legroom. The rear seats can flip up when not in use, providing extra interior cargo space. There's also a pop-up storage bin for keeping items organized and from sliding around back there.

The Raptor R isn't just for weekend fun in the dunes. It's still a fully functional F-150, and its 67.1-inch long bed has plenty of space for carrying sheet goods, lumber, and other supplies. Payload capacity is rated at 1400 pounds. The upgraded power tailgate has a hidden step that slides out from its edge, providing easier access to its taller-than-usual bed. The bed has mounting points for cross-bars, LED illumination, and a 110-volt power outlet. Another thoughtful touch is the rulers embossed into the inside of the tailgate.

There's no question the Raptor R is an impressive truck. It's the highest-performance factory F-150 you can buy. It's a hoot to drive off-road and has terrific passing power on the highway. While a standard F-150 Raptor starts at just over $75,000 these days, the added power of the Raptor R package increases that by a wallet-busting $31,575. With the moonroof, upgraded tailgate, and spray-in bedliner, our fully outfitted Raptor R had a sticker price of $111,935.